Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood was a perfect place for James and Stephanie to tie the knot. Stephanie, an arborist, found a wedding in the middle of a forest to be ideal. However, the weather had different plans.
“Months before our wedding day, we were concerned about the possibility of unseasonably warm weather in October and feared Stephanie wouldn’t have the opportunity to wear the shawl her grandmother knit. Instead, we nearly had to move our ceremony inside because of snow – flurries were coming down just an hour before our outdoor ceremony. Luckily, the clouds parted just long enough for us to hold the ceremony outside, but we’ll never forget that we had snow on our wedding day,” James said.
During the ceremony, the officiant, a local naturalist, paused at the sound of a woodpecker and pointed out two pileated woodpeckers as they flew overhead. “It was a great memory and the officiant said those woodpeckers, which are rarely seen in pairs, were a good sign for our marriage!”
James and Stephanie had four bridesmaids and and four groomsmen in their weddings party, as well as a ring bearer and a “leaf girl” who threw leaves instead of flower petals. The couple had 100 guests in attendance as they exchanged vows under a birch arbor. They also incorporated a tree planting into their wedding ceremony. The tree is now planted in their backyard.
The color palette of the wedding reflected the location- jewel tones with turquoise and magenta. The couple included many tree-themed items into their day as well.
Stephanie works for a nonprofit in Washington, DC and James works in human resources for a consulting firm in Montgomery County, Maryland. They currently live in Alexandria, Virginia.
First dance: “By the Way They Dance” Jump, Little Children
How they met: “We met via an online dating site, and had been dating for almost 3 years when we got married. Our first date was meeting for drinks at a restaurant right down the street from our current home.”
The proposal: James proposed during a family trip to Prince Edward Island – he planned a surprise sunset proposal at the Point Prim lighthouse, with family meeting up afterwards for a celebratory dinner and champagne toast.
A fun moment: The bride’s family handed out glow sticks for everyone without telling Stephanie or Jimmy. When “Shut Up and Dance” came on and the lights dimmed Stephanie and Jimmy got a glowing surprise!
Honeymoon: Argentina and Chile
Vendors
- Getting ready: Courtyard by Marriott Frederick & Residence Inn by Marriott Frederick**
- Reception: Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood**
- Caterer/drinks: Canapes**
- Photographer: Charles Studio**
- Wedding attire: David’s Bridal & Men’s Wearhouse
- Flowers/decor: Willow Oak Flower & Herb Farm
- Hair/Makeup: Torie Boston
- Music/entertainment: Great Scott Productions
- Transportation: On the Town
- Stationery/calligraphy: Wedding Paper Divas invitations
**FrederickWeddings.com members
